Evolution Setup
Whole Foods
Each Whole Foods onboarding session includes a one-day installation of flow, temperature, utility meter, and leak detection sensors, along with cellular gateway setup and mobile commissioning.
A dedicated day of quality assurance and training follows to verify sensor performance, set customized alert thresholds, and complete site onboarding.
From there, the Evolution Customer Success Team delivers ongoing white-glove support with monthly reviews, data validation, benchmarking, and performance summaries—all designed to drive long-term value, conservation, and sustainability.
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Symmons Evolution x Whole Foods
Each store will be equipped with an exclusive Whole Foods Evolution Device Package, which includes:
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Gateways
2 Gateways
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Usage
1 Utility Meter Sensor
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Temperature
6 Temperature Sensors
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Leak
2 Leak Detectors
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Flow
5 Flow Sensors
Device Installation
For a smooth and efficient Evolution installation, Symmons recommends installing the devices in the following order and locations.
Legend:
AHU = Air Handling Unit
DCW = Domestic Cold Water
DHW = Domestic Hot Water
HVAC = Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning
TMV = Thermostatic Mixing Valve
Gateways (2)
- Gateway 1:
- Close to the Mechanical Room
- Gateway 2:
- Close to the furthest sensor from the Mechanical Room
Evolution Gateway
Utility Meter (1)
- Primary Placement:
- DCW Water Main Meter*
(*If not compatible, prioritize a flow sensor for DCW Main)
- DCW Water Main Meter*
Utility Meter
Temperature Sensors (6)
- Primary Placements
- DHW TMV Inlet
- DHW TMV Tempered Outlet
- DHW Tempered Return
- Storage Tank #1 Outlet
- Storage Tank #2 Outlet
- Storage Tank #3 Outlet
- Alternative Placements
- DCW Inlet to TMV
- HVAC Loop Temp
- Second Return Line (If Applicable)
- DCW Inlet to TMV
- Boiler Outlet
- Heat Exchanger Loop
- DHW Drop to Department (furthest from mechanical room)
- Reclaim Tank Outlet
- DHW to Restrooms
- AHU Inlet
Temperature Sensor
Leak Detectors (2)
- Primary Placement – Leak Detector 1:
- Adjacent to DHW Heaters/Storage Tanks
- Primary Placement – Leak Detector 2:
- Water Main/Sprinkler Room
- Alternative Placements
- Sump Areas
- Refrigerant Racks
Leak Sensor
Flow Sensors (5)
- Primary Placements
- DCW to Water Heaters
- DCW to Prepared Foods
- DCW to Produce
- DCW to Seafood
- Cooling Tower/Cooling Makeup Line
- Alternative Placements
- Replacement for Utility Meter (If Applicable)
- Bakery
- Restaurant
- Restrooms
- DHW Recirculation Line
- DCW to Bar or Restaurant
- DHW to Sink/Slop Sink/Mop Closet
- Water Softener Outlet
- Condenser Cold Water Supply
- Ice Maker
- Irrigation
Flow Sensor
Evolution App Downloads
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Evolution iOS® App
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Evolution Android™ App
Installation FAQs
What should I do if I can’t find a service point that's listed on my Quick-Start Installation Guide?
Review the full list of primary and alternative service points carefully, then check each area of the store for those locations. You may need to gain access to locked rooms, storage areas, areas of piping above the ceiling, or on top of walk-in coolers.
Store managers are typically the best resource for locating service points in the store, such as the water main and the water heaters, and they’ll have keys to those areas if they are locked.
Use your best judgement and install sensors on service points that are available and would provide valuable data for Whole Foods. If you have any further questions, contact your assigned Customer Success Associate for guidance.
Do I need Wi-Fi for the gateway to work?
No, the Evolution gateway creates its own dedicated LoRa® network, and as a result, the store’s Wi-Fi networks will not be affected or diminished in any way.
Once the gateway has been activated, it may take 5-15 minutes to establish its network signal for the system.
Can I use a power drill/driver to install the clamp-on flow sensor?
Symmons recommends tightening the flow sensor clamps by hand with a screwdriver or nut driver; overtightening with power tools could strip the worm gear perforations on the stainless-steel bands.
To make installation easier, the larger flow sensors have flip-up worm gears that enable you to install the band quickly by hand, then tighten with a screwdriver for the final fit.
Which sensors require access to an outlet for power?
Only the clamp-on flow sensors and water meter sensors require 120V AC power.
Power Needed for Operation:
Clamp-On Flow Sensors – YES
Water Utility Meter Sensor – YES
Temperature Sensor – NO
Leak Detection Sensor – NO
Temperature sensors and leak detection sensors have an internal battery with a 10-year life. Evolution will alert the user in advance when the battery and/or the unit needs to be replaced.
If a clamp-on flow sensor fits securely around the pipe, does that make it the right size?
No, each sensor is designed for a specific range of pipe sizes. Please use the Evolution measuring tape included in your Device Package to identify the correct model sensor to use for that specific pipe size.
The accuracy of the data collected from the sensor is directly related to the pipe size and the designated corresponding sensor.
What’s the purpose of the thermal paste for the temperature sensors?
The thermal paste is crucial for transferring the true pipe temperature to the sensor for accurate readings. Without the paste, the temperature sensor will receive weak or inaccurate readings that will affect the overall sensor data.
The optimal amount needed is just about the size of a sunflower seed, placed directly on the contact point of the temperature sensor.
The temperature sensors attach to the piping with cable zip ties; are those zip ties heat resistant?
Yes! All cable zip ties provided for installation are heat resistant so they can be attached to hot water piping.
When using the Evolution mobile app to install sensors, can a teammate also use the app at the same property to install at the same time?
Yes, multiple users can be logged in to the same property and install sensors simultaneously.
How do I know if my sensor is connected to the Evolution network?
You can verify the status by checking for the sensor in the Last Reported Data section in the Evolution mobile app.
How do I know if my flow sensor is installed correctly?
A correctly installed flow sensor will display at least 2 green bars—ideally 4—on the Stability meter on the left side of the screen.
I'm doing an installation; how do I find that property in the Evolution mobile app?
Navigate to the Properties tab at the bottom of the screen and select your property from the drop-down list at the top.
If you’re only associated to one property, you’ll be routed to your property’s page automatically when you select the Properties drop-down list.
If I have questions about my installation, is there someone I can call?
Absolutely! Our Evolution team is here to help with any questions you may have during installation.
Just give us a call at 1-800-SYMMONS (796-6667) and our experts will help you sort it out!
Need Installation Support?
If you need assistance or have any questions during installation, give us a call at 1-800-SYMMONS (796-6667). We’re here to help!